Scripture for Today: Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

I am amazed how strong the human body can become!  Bodybuilding is an all-consuming passion for some.  I feel ambivalent on the subject.  I have tremendous respect for the discipline it takes and most of the time, admire the results.  At the same time, so much attention given to the exterior makes me wonder if the interior is being neglected.  But the resulting strong shoulders must often be called upon by others.  This is the man to call for heavy lifting and moving pianos!

Our verse for today is a prophecy regarding the birth of Jesus.  His shoulders will rival those of any bodybuilder as they will be strong enough to bear any weight.  They will bear the weight of an entire government.  His Kingdom is not presently part of our world but in the hearts of His people (John 18:36).  But one day, His Kingdom will be established on earth.  He will be enthroned on the new earth and there will be but one government; His (Rev. 21:1-3).

We celebrate the first coming of Jesus with ooohs and aahs over a tiny helpless baby.  His humble beginnings can make Him seem unimportant or ineffectual for some.  But this entrance into our world is diametrically opposed to the second.  He will one day return in triumph, shouldering through clouds to descend and establish His rule.  He is the King of King and the Lord of Lords!

Christmas has so much more meaning when we bow the knee at that manger.  Today He is my strong-shouldered King!  Help me Lord, to accept Your rule in my heart.

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

I always smile to myself when I see the bumper sticker or plaque that says, “Wise men seek Him still.”

The story of the wise men seeking the baby Jesus is only told in the Gospel of Matthew.  Because this event took place some time after the birth of Jesus, it is often given less attention.  We typically think of there being three wise men as there were three gifts offered to Jesus: the gold, frankincense and myrrh.  But regardless of their number, they went to great lengths to seek and to find the baby Jesus.  They spent money, time and effort to make that long arduous journey.  The star guiding them to the exact place they could find Him was nothing short of miraculous!

It was telling that these learned men went first to Herod’s palace to inquire.  It was only logical to think that the birth of the King of the Jews would take place in some distinguished surroundings.  I can imagine their surprise when the star indicated what must have been a very humble home!  Matthew 2 tells us that they were filled with great joy when they saw Jesus.  Their immediate reaction was to fall to the ground in worship.

Wise men seek Him still.  And He wants to be found.  I may not have a miraculous star, but I have His Spirit drawing me back to Himself.  I am wise when I listen.  Our verse promises me that He rewards those who seek Him.  He rewards me with a very special and privileged relationship with Himself!  Thank you, Lord, that YOU are my reward.

Scripture for Today:  Luke 2:10-11  “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'”

There are actually two Christmas messages in this garland.  First, there is the obvious; “Joyeux Noël” or “Merry Christmas” in French.  The second message is an unintended repetition; “no L.”  When teaching fourth grade I used to put the alphabet on the blackboard without the “L” and see who could find the Christmas message first!

The word,”noël” was first used in the English language in the 14th century.  There are two ideas about its origin.  The first thought is that “noël” is a variant of “nael” derived in turn from the Latin word, “natalis” meaning, “birth.”  As Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus, that makes sense.  Then there is the idea that “noël” is derived from the French word, “nouvelles” meaning, “news.”  In either case, the emphasis is on the good news of our Savior’s birth.

In our verse for today, there is good news announced of a great joy!  It is not just for those hearing the angel’s declaration but it is offered to all the people.  The birth of the Savior is astonishing news!  That the God of the universe would condescend to humble Himself and become a vulnerable baby is astounding!  But the truth that He did it for me is what is difficult to grasp.  He did it to become my personal Savior.  In His love, He stooped that low so that I could be saved from the entirely just punishment for my sin.  It is too wondrous to describe!

What joyful news!  Joyeux Noël!